Notolepis coatsi

Common Name

Antarctic Jonasfish

Year Described

Dollo, 1908

Identification

Dorsal Fin:
Anal Fin: 26-29
Pectoral Fin: 9-11
Pelvic Fin: 9
Lateral Line:
Vertebrae: 86-89

Lateral line scales inconspicious, without vertical striations. Pelvic origin anterior to dorsal fin origin. Prepelvic distance 59-61% SL. Two rows of teeth (a third rearward) with 20-35 canines. Palatine with numerous depressible, short canine teeth.

Color

Brown to black when fresh, but pigment is easily removed during collection leaving the fish pale with little pigment. Gill cover dark.

Size

Maximum size to 40cm SL.

Habitat

Known from 0-2000m.

Range

Mostly sub-Antarctic off southeastern Argentina and within the Scotia Arc.

References

Post, A. 1985. Paralepididae. In: Fischer, W. and Hureau, J-C. (Eds.) FAO species identification sheets for fishery purposes. Southern Ocean (Fishing areas 48, 58 and 88). Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, Rome.

Rofen, R.R. In: Anderson, W.W., R.H. Gibbs, F.H. Berry, W.A. Gosline, J.E. Bohlke, N.B. Marshall, R.L. Bolin, G.W. Mead, J.W. Gehringer, R.R. Rofen, and N.J. Wilimovsky. 1966. Fishes of the Western North Atlantic. Part 5. Iniomi and Lyomeri. Memoir No. 1. Sears Foundation for Marine Research; Yale University, New Haven, CT. 647 pp., 220 plates.